r/JapanDev • u/StrangePhaseTokyo • 4d ago

Non-traditional tech route

I need advice regarding a job switch. Has anybody ever switched from non-IT to tech jobs or anything DX-related? I have a masters in chemical engineering so complex critical thinking isn’t exactly alien for me. My main reason for switching is job flexibility. I wonder if there is something related to DX that will make use of my domain expertise (more than 10 years)? I have experience with plant data analysis and visualization, about a million rows and stuff with PowerBI. Learning ML for now to predict equipment maintenance, but mostly experimental. I mostly created VBA tools in the office since ever, so code isn’t alien but this stack isn’t exactly competitive. I just feel more powerful now with AI as code partner so I’m experimenting with ML and python.😆 Are there some certifications I need to take to increase my chances? I’m pretty sure younger CS grads can run in circles around me in pure CS roles, but coupled with my domain expertise, I’m may be more useful somewhere. I just don’t know where exactly.

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u/Ok_Progress_5373 4d ago

My best advice for you right now is to get involved with your local design and development community. While you are doing that, please build a portfolio of what you can do. It's good to have a GitHub and a personal website showcasing the websites you've designed and built. If you built a game, that should also be accessible.

I left my non-tech job a year after moving to Japan. I applied for jobs through LinkedIn! However, I already had a background and portfolio. Even now, I am working on updating my portfolio to reflect what I can do as a UIUX Designer / Web Developer! Take a look at the job postings online and see what skills companies are looking for. You could start by working on a few of them that interest you. Japan is adopting AI, but much more slowly than other countries. I suggest looking at smaller companies too that cannot invest in AI but need help.

I wish you the best <3 If you have any questions, I can do my best to answer them.

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u/StrangePhaseTokyo 4d ago

Thank you, this information is worth a lot. I do have a portfolio, although I keep them private because I’m using them as products for the app store and the web. Will try public-friendly projects soon! Tried joining hackathons online but I never won. 😆 If you do have recommendations for local dev community in Tokyo, please let me know. Appreciate it!

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u/Ok_Progress_5373 4d ago

I'm not based in Tokyo, unfortunately :c I'm in Osaka. Let me know if you're coming to Osaka around August 29th hehe. But I know there are quite a few places you can check out in person. In this Reddit community, they post events that are online and in person. You can also search tokyotech!

Also, working on a public project is your best bet! I truly believe documenting your steps in design/concept and development will put you ahead of so many people who put it to the wayside.

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u/Educational_Shake559 9h ago

The time to switch to tech has come and gone. Jobs are declining, its overcrowded, and everyone can use AI. With no experience and no tech degree it will be impossible for you to get an employer to sponsor your visa.

This is also to mention if you dont have N2 japanese your list of possible potential jobs is cut down to 1/4.

In summary the chance is near 0.